Strange and Surprising Facts About the Human Body

The human body is a marvel of biological engineering, capable of incredible feats of strength, endurance, and sensitivity. However, there are several aspects of our own bodies that might surprise even the most knowledgeable of us. This article explores a few of these strange and surprising facts.

The Brain Operates on Electricity

It might come as a surprise to learn that the brain, which is essentially a mass of fatty tissue and nerves, generates electricity. This is due to the movement of sodium and potassium ions across the neuronal membrane, which creates an electrical potential similar to a small battery. In fact, with all those neurons firing at once, the brain generates enough electricity to power a low-wattage LED light. However, this energy is used internally to send signals between neurons and is not available for other uses.

The Stomach Regenerates Its Lining Every Few Days

In order to prevent itself from digesting its own tissues, the stomach regenerates its lining every 3 to 4 days. This is accomplished by specialized cells in the stomach lining that continuously secrete a thick layer of mucus, which protects the underlying tissues from the potent digestive juices.

We Have Tiny Mites Living in Our Eyelashes

Here's a gross fact: humans have tiny mites called Demodex that live in their eyelashes. These microscopic organisms feed on the oils and dead skin cells produced by our skin. Most of the time, they are harmless and we don't even notice them. However, in some people, they can cause an inflammatory response leading to itchy, red eyes.

There Are More Bacterial Cells in Your Body Than Human Cells

For every human cell in your body, there are about ten bacterial cells. These microscopic organisms, collectively called the human microbiome, play vital roles in digestion, immunity, and even mental health. What's surprising is that despite their abundance and importance, we are only just beginning to understand how these communities of organisms function and interact with their human hosts.

Your Body Glows in the Dark

Believe it not, you glow in the dark! Human bodies emit small quantities of light in the form of bioluminescence, but it's about 1,000 times less intense than our eyes can detect. This light is produced by metabolic reactions within cells which give off photons, or particles of light.

These are just a few examples of the strange and surprising facts about the human body. So, the next time you look in the mirror, remember that there is more than meets the eye. You are a walking ecosystem, powered by electricity, with a stomach that eats itself and then heals, and a glow that eludes the naked eye.